League Cup 2012 / 2013

03 June 2012 01:15

The first round of the League Cup is before the start of the Championship season.

The League Cup this season will have a new sponsor. It will be know as the Capital One Cup.

The tournament has had a long list of previous sponsors, it's been called the Milk Cup, recently the Carling Cup, before that the Worthington Cup, Littlewoods Cup etc.

What is different this year is that the first round will take place during the week before that start of the new League season. The draw for round 1 will be announced on Thursday 14th June with the matches played w/c 13th August. The League season kicks off on the weekend of Saturday 18th August.

Round 1 will see the participation of seventy league teams. Bolton and Blackburn both get a bye into round 2.

The second round will see the 35 round 1 winners, Bolton, Blackburn and 13 Premier League teams making a total of 50 teams taking part.

Round 3 will involve the 25 round 2 winners and the seven Premier league teams involved in Europe so we have a balanced 32 sides competing which will allow the competition to run down to two finalists next February.

Speaking of the new sponsors

Football League Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Heaselgrave said: "This is terrific news for clubs and a great way to conclude what has been a memorable domestic football season. "I am absolutely delighted to welcome Capital One to working with The Football League, our clubs and those of the Premier League. They're a hugely respected company that really impressed us with a passion and excitement for the competition so we can't wait to build a successful, innovative partnership over the next four seasons. "The Capital One Cup is in great shape having been re-invigorated in recent seasons by a number of memorable finals, some thrilling midweek cup football and a first glimpse of the stars of the future."